Heil-Brice Retail Advertising Promotes Two Executives to Key Management Positions

Business Wire, Jan 4, 2005

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Heil-Brice Retail Advertising (HBRA) today announced the promotions of Jeff Morris to president and Michael Robertson to executive creative director. Hal Brice, former president and executive creative director, is accepting the title co-chief executive officer. These appointments enable HBRA to leverage success with current clients and bolster its staff as it prepares for aggressive growth in 2005.

Jeff Morris' promotion to president of HBRA will allow him to take a more direct role in the day-to-day operations of the company. A 14-year veteran of HBRA, Jeff most recently served as the executive vice president of account service. In his previous role, Jeff was instrumental in building the agency's client list to include Ralphs Grocery Company, The Los Angeles Times, The Los Angeles Clippers, Dreamworks SKG, IHOP and more. His leadership brought HBRA to the forefront of customer relationship marketing, launching loyalty programs for Ralphs, Hollywood Video and Fry's Food and Drug. As president of HBRA, Jeff will continue to refine the tactical plans of HBRA and its clients.

Michael Robertson's promotion to executive creative director further strengthens the agency's core leadership. During his 35-year career, he has held positions with agencies: Young & Rubicam, Scali McCabe Sloves and Della Femina WCRS. Prior to HBRA, Michael was executive creative director at Bates USA, heading a 250-person creative department with over a billion dollars in billings. Throughout his career, Michael has garnered numerous awards for his work on national accounts AT&T, Miller, Estee Lauder, Foot Locker and Texaco. He also is widely credited for helping to turn around Hyundai's business in the U.S. market, increasing sales by almost 300%. Michael will manage HBRA's creative staff and will oversee all of the work produced by the agency.

Agency founder Hal Brice will serve as co-chief executive officer along with Joni Brice. In his new role, Hal will set the strategic direction of the agency while continuing to grow and expand business for the agency and its clients. "Jeff and Michael are exceptional leaders and are truly invested in clients, people and creative that define HBRA," said Hal Brice. "Together, they make a powerful, experienced and smart leadership team. Joni and I couldn't be happier."

About HBRA

HBRA specializes in strategic retail branding -- the creation and execution of highly focused advertising and communication programs designed to increase sales, heighten visibility and solidify customer loyalty. Founded in 1987, HBRA is based in Newport Beach, Calif. and ranks among the top 100 advertising agencies in the United States (ADWEEK). Key clients include Ralphs Grocery Company, The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Clippers, Food 4 Less and Fry's Food and Drug. For more information, please visit the company web site at www.hbra.com.